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FT
m
A TREATISE
TSE M
KOUMISS;
MILK CHAMPAGNE. I
The Great Russian Remedy for Wast^
iag. Debilitating and Nervous
Diseases,
Manuib«ture(l by
^. MYERS, A. M.
Address P. O. Box 1436, or Residence and ractory, 825 Oapp
Street, between 23d and 24tb Streets.
SAN FRANCISCO:
Spauldixg & Barto, Stbam Book and Job PRiimHs,
K o xj m: I 8 8.
Experiments with Koumiss in the Hospitals of Paris.
Copied from the "Westeni Lancet" ot August, 1875.
TranHlated ft>om tlie Frenoli.
Eastern
It has been long since noticed that certain tribes
Russia were completely exempt from debilitating diseases; that
is to say, diseases which exhaust the strength and induce emacia-
tion, as phthisis pulmonalis, chronic bronci.itis, chlorosis,
anemia, etc. Tliia fortunate immunity attracted the attention of
physicians, already awakened by the popular reports, which
attributed to the daily use of Koumiss, the excellent health of
these people, notwithstanding the detestable climatic and hygienic
condition in which they lived.
Scientific research' has fully confirmed the favorable influ-
ence of this beverage on their health, and chemical analysis
has given the explanation of this influence.
Since then the use of Koumiss has rapidly spread in all Russia,
ai;d it has been ascertained that, wherever its use has become
general, phthisis, or consumption, became more and mor^ rare,
it is fur this reason that, in Russia, Koumiss is considered a
specific for this disease. Thanks to the recent research and
esperiments of French medicine, its action being well studied and
its therapeutic value being well established, on true and certain
data, the limits of its application became more extended, and.
to-day it is indicated as the most powerful reconstituant in
all debilitating diseases.
The first scientific description of Koumisa and of its applica-
tion to medicine, goes back nearly a century, to 1788. It is due
to John Grieve (account of a methodrof making a wine called by
tlie Tartars KoumisB, with obserrations on its use in medicine;)
who in hiB position as physician in the Rusaian army, had heen
able to study on the spot the remarkable action of this medicine.
Since this epoch aeveral works on Kouroisa have been pub-
lished. In 1843, Dr. Maydell, Medical Inspector of the govern-
ment of Orloff, published a report of the therapeutic vinues of
Koumiss. Twenty years later tha work of Dr. J. Ucke on the
climate and diseases of the city of Samara (18(53), made the re-
constituting properties of this agent conspicuous, attributing to
it a specific power on the diseases of the respiratory organs. Dr.
Chomenkoff attributed to it the same quality, with a conviction
deeper yet, having had occasion to experiment on himself, in a
chronic disease of the lungs, of which he was happy enough
from its influence to recover. Dr. L, Spengler had, a few years
previously, laid the outlines of a very interesting study on the
, cure by Koumiss, in the Journal ds Balneologe. Herman Beigel,
physician of the Metropolitan Free Hospital in London, speaks
also of Koumiss, in his work written in the same year oa the
preceding.
It is to Dr. Schnepp that the credit is due for having Koumiss
known in France, (Paris, 1865.)
The following year, Dr. Karell, Physician Ordinary to the
Emperor of Russia, full of enthusiasm for this medicine, wrote
in a very interesting article: "I have seen marve]ou.s effects of
it, and we owe to it some truly astonishing cures. I remember
having seen two cases of phthisis pulmonalis in that last degree
when hardly a few weeks of existence are granted to the patients.
Well, after treatment with Koumiss, these patients had recovered
Buoh excellent health that their famihes were astonished to find
them enjoying better health than they had ever seen them
before."
Professor Foussagrives, in his remarkable work {TherapeiiHque
dft la Phthiiis Pulmonaire, 1866, pages 123-129,) gives exact de-
tails on the manner of using Koumiss, and regrets that this
medicine, of which the reputation increases every day in Russia,
but as yet so little known in France. "There is no means,"
says he, "which repairs as well the strength and restores as
rapidly the former emhonpoirU."
I
I
L
S4-J.0/
NotwithBtanding the rich literature of Koumiss, of which we
have been able to give but a small sketch, in spite of its unei-
oeptionable proofs of its therapeutic value, and the earnest
patronage of the most celebrated men, KoumisB was known in
France but theoretically, and its employment in Western Europe
waa impossible on account of the difficulty of communication
and of the ignorance of its mode of preptu'ation, for the migra-
tory tribes of Eastern Bussia surrounded its manufacture with
great mystery.
The true importation and iotioduction of real Koumiss dates
back but a year {written in 1872); it is due to the director of the
establishment of Koumiss (Edwards), who, after a stay of more
than tea years among the migratory tribes, who make a daily use
of Koumiss, after having ascertained on the spot the beneficent
effects of their beverage, and having succeeded in thoroughly
understanding its manufacture, has founded his establishment.
The product of hia factory is identical to the Koumiss of the
Shirghizes and Bashkires, and under the denomination of Kou-
miss-Edwards, it has shown what it could do; for it is thia
Koumiss which, during a whole year, has been experimented
with, and employed in all the hospitals of Paris, and in many
hospitals in the provinces. It is the only Koumiss of which the
good results have been recorded in the numerous accounts pub-
lished in all the medical papers, and which has become an agent
in French therapeutics, under the auspices of our moat eminent
masters.
The use of Koumiss is very old; its name is taken from the
people of Koumanes, whose origin goes back to the earliest
antiquity. This people migrating to the region of the Caspian
and Black seas, had definitely established themselves on the
banks of a river called Kouma, the name of which they bave re-
tained to this day. The history of this people ends with the
invasion of the Tartars. Conquered in 1215 by Tossukhan, many
of their customs passed into the habits of the Tartars, among
others the use of Koumiss.
Koumiss is not only in use among the people we have just
mentioned, but also among' other migratory tribes of Asia, eren
AB far as the extreme north. All these tribes mate Koumiss from
milk of different animals, hut that most used is made from mare's
milk, cow'a mdk, and the milk of ewes. They make several
Mnds of Koumiss, the difference consisting in the more or less
degree of alcoholic fermentation of the milk.
Koumiss is looked upon by these people as a sacred beverage,
and is largely employed in their religious ceremonies. They
know how to utilize its nutritive properties, and era.ploy it to
fatten young girls whom they desire to prepare for marriage, for
with them, as among all Eastern people, esceBsive embonpinnt
(robustness) is an indispensable condition of female beauty.
Koumiss is not a pharmaceutical preparation proper, but a
natural transformation of milk by lacto- alcoholic fermentation.
Koumiss is of milk what wine is of grapes, what cider is of apples;
that is to say, that the transformation of milk into Koumiss is
based on the same chemical laws as the transformation of grapes
into wine, and of apples into cider, by alcoholic fermentation.
■ Besides its Latin denomination, vinum laciis, indicates very well
its nature; and it is while considering its source and its physical
properties that one of our eminent physicians has so wittily
named it "Milk Champagne. "
Koumiss is a white lactescent hquid, with a characteristic odor
resembling that of whey, with a lightly assidulous and biting
taste, savoring somewhat of buttermilk. It leaves a fresh and
■ agreeable after-taste, is more effervescent than champagne, and
when poured out becomes covered with an abundant foam, while
as snow, overreaching the glass. This foam is composed in a
great part of the fatty and nutritive principles of the milk raised
by the carbonic acid. Left to settle, uncovered, Koumiss divides
into three distinct layers; the inferior layer is caseous; the mid-
dle layer is composed of serum, in great quantity and of green-
ish color, semi-transparent, and on the top floats a whitish layer
I of fatty substances.
COMPOSITION C
(Average of twelve Analyses.)
1st Class. No. 1. No. 2.
Water 888.010 886.363
Carbonic Add 6.603 13 982
Chloride of Potasaium 1,435 1.435
Chloride of Sodium .289 .289
Sulphate of Soda .067 .067
Phosphate of Soda .410 .410
Phosphate of Lime of Bones.... 2.670 2.670
Phosphate of Magnesia .601 .601
Phosphate of Iron : .062 .062
2d Class.
Lactate of Soda .661 .661
Lactate of Lime .225 .225
Lactate of Urea .006 .006
Lactose 38 952 23.065
Alcohol 22.530 30.310
Lactic Acid 7.021 8.872
Succinic Acid .273 .368
Propionic Acid .015 .022
Glycerine I.i27 1.909
Fatty bodies 8.517 8.501
3d Class,
Casein and Albumen 18.310 18.290
Lacto-protein 1.916 1.892
Total 1,000.000 1,000.000
The examination of this analysis, presenting the elements of
KoumisB, will suf&ce to esplain the beneficial action of this
medicine. We find in it alcohol, lactic acid, carbonic acid; the
moat important salts of the organism, as the phosphates of lima,
soda, iron, etc., naturally united, and which, thanks to the stale of
fermentation of Koumiss, are immediately assimulaled and absorbed
by the organism.
i
'ION OP K0UMIS9 AND ITH IBDIOATIOSB.
It is only after a year of esperiments in all the hospitals of
Paris, carried ou by eminent masters of medical science and
crowned by full success, that the administration of Koumiss offers
its product as the most powerful medication against consumptive
diseases. It does so only after having deserved and obtained
the high approbation and contidetice of the medical world, as the
sole criterion competent to judge the real value of a new thera-
peutic agent and to appreciate its importance. To resume all
that is said in scientific works and in medical journals, the good
effects of Koumiss are explained by —
Ist, The action of a large quantity of salts, identical to salts
of the blood serum, introduced into the organism.
2d. The action of albuminoid matters on the organic tissues,
3d. The action — eminen/ly digestive — of lactic acid.
1th. The stimulating action of alcohol and its induence on
the adipose tissues generally,
5tfa. The slimidating properties of carbonic acid on the capil-
laries, and its sedative action on the coat of the stomach,
6th. The state of permanent fermentaiion, which is to be con-
sidered as one of the principal causes of its direct aad rapid action.
—Journal of Therapeutique, 1874, Nos. 14, 16, 17, 18.
All these elements — plastic, heat generating, strength gene-
rating, anti-wasting — being all naturally united in it, explain
the powerfully reconstituent action of Eoumias; for it holds a
series of substances all of which are capable of exerting a special
effect on the organism, and its action is to constitute the result-
ant of each of these isolated effects. — Gazette Hebdomadaire de
Medecine. etc., 1874, Nos. 36 and 38.
Therefore, Koumias represents an alimentary medication of
which the rebuilding and neuroathenic power has no equivalent
in modern therapeutics, and its employment is very precious and
of an incontestable utility every time an acute or chronic affec-
tion has impoverished the economy and debilitated the organ-
ism. It is employed, therefore, in phthisis pulmonalis, in chronic
bronchitis, and all diseases of the thorax in general, in chronic
gastritis dyspepsia, in anemia, chlorosis, in scrofula, in leucor-
rhcea, which, in a case cited by Dr. Schnepp, recovered under the
i
sole DBS of a treatment of three weeka with Koumigs; in al
nurin and diabetes.
The progress of improvement in patients suffering from
tions of the respiratory organs increase in the following ordwi
let. Sleep returns.
2A. Fever becomes less, and disappears little by little.
8d. Cough diminishes, the nature of the aputa ehaagea after
a few dftya of treatment, and from purulent becomes muco-pui-
ulent, then mucous.
4th. The appetite increases remarkablj; vomiting, if there
were dyspeptic cumpUcations, stop or diminish. Soon the im-
provement ia manifested in a more striking manner, strength Te-
tania, and the weight of the body increases. — Journal da Thera-
peulique.
This inorease of weight, which is the steady indication of the
wholesome influence of Koumiss with patients suffering with de-
bilitating affections, even in a very advanced stage of the dis-
ease, is easy to verify by periodical weighing. From the differ-
ent statistics published, in 100 patients attacked with phthisis
pulmonaiis and put under the treatment of Koumiss, during six
weeks in the Paris hospitals, the average increase of weight ia
four kilograms. Of this number some had increased eight kilo-
grama, and others only 500 grams.
When we consider that these statisticg are baaed mainly on
observations gathered in the hospitals, where, in spite of all the
solitude — in spite of all the care with which patients are sur-
rounded—the hygienic conditions can never be compared to
those enjoyed in the private dwelling; when we consider that
most of these patients were in an advanced degree of phthisis,
where all other treatment had already failed, and that under the
influence of Koumiss emaciation was not only arrested, but more-
over that all gained more or less in flesh, and that their general
health improved perceptibly, it is impossible not to draw there-
from the most encouraging conclusions for those patients who
may enjoy good hygienic conditions, and in whom the lesionB
are as yet little advanced. — Journal de Therapeutique.
As may be noticed, the action of Koumiss is, before all, one of
repair, and consequently in direct opposition with the waste that
debilitating diseases, whatever be their nature, bring with them.
I
It re-eBtabliahes strength, ftnd aasimilafcing functions, aa diges-
tion, respiration, and, being rapidly absorbed by the organism,
on account of the constatutiTe and nutritive nature of its ele-
ments, it influences the increase of weight with an extraordinary
rapidity.
In chlorosis, anemia, chloro -anemia, the apphcation of Kou-
miss is unquestionably efficient. In Beveial cases where chaly-
beate preparations could not be borne. Koumiss increased the
quantity and quality of the red blood globules, even where the
disease seemed incurable. We will cite a case of scrofulous
ohloro-anemia in which the patient, carried on a stretcher into
one of our principal hospitals, was iu such a state of exhaustion
that the least movement occasioned palpitations and syncope;
her eyes even could no more support light, her face was pale
and wasted, her lips and eyelids discolored, she vomited all she
took; in a, word, the gravity of her symptoms foreboded an ap-
proaching death, But under the treatment of Koumiss this
young girl was, at the end of ten days, already capable to help
the sister in the distribution of food to the other patients, and
three weeks afterwards she left the ward entirely cured, and hav-
ing gained six kilograms.
In albumin urla^it being understood that we speak here of al-
buminuria without grave renal complications — Koumiss has
given excellent results; the albumen disappears in a very short
time, relatively. In dyspepsia, in chronic gastritis, where the
food is badly borne and digested with diESculty, the digestive
qualities of Koumiss, through carbonic acid and lactic acid, ren-
der it unquestionably useful.
Koumiss has been and is employed with success in diabetes,
accompanied with emaciation. Several observations published
by distinguished physicians notice its good efl'ects.
The eminently separative, nutritive and stimulating qualities
of Koumiss render it very valuable for nursing females. We
have long known the great influence of fermented beverages on
the mammary glands, the secretions of which they increase.
Koumiss, as a fermented drink, is perhaps the only therapeutic
agent of which the action is as direct and rapid, on account of
the constitutive elements of its lactic origin. Shortly after the
ingestion of Koumks, not only do the breasts swell and the milk
become more abundant, bat ita qn&lity undergoes a favorabl
modification through a greater quantity of nutritive principles
It ia known that the attention of phyaiciana was attracted t
Koumiss in the first place by the immunity of disease of the rsf
piratory organs noticed among the wandering tribes, who naafc
a daily use of this beverage. Therefore must we consider Koi:
miss as a hygeinie drink, par excellence, possessing through i1
reconstituting and separative quaHties, preservative virtue
against consumptive diseases, whatever be their nature.
If we consider that the patients upon whom the action of iKoii
miss was called to counterbalance the debilitating action of th
disease, have increased in fleah and regained their strengtll
there ia no doubt that those in whom the disease has not yet «]fl
clared itself, but who, through delicate health or hereditary pre
disposition, offer a ready ground for the invasion thereof — tbei
is no doubt, we say, that those making use of Koumiss until ful
consolidation of their health, would surely prevent the affectioi
by which they may be menaced. Starting from this principlfl
its use in Russia becomes more and more popular. They resQi;
to this, as powerful as it is harmless, on the first symptoms o
emaciation or exhaustion. There even is an expression whicl
designates under the term of " Koumiss coraplesion " the fre^
and rosy color, the white and transparent complexion of thosi
vrho take much Koumiss.
MODE OP USING KOUMISS, UNLESS OTHERWISE
The therapeutic action of Koumiss, like that of all medicioef
belonging to the class of reconstituents and neuroathenioa, ik^
direct proportion with the duration of treatment and the qvjKS
tity administered to the patient.
The minimum duration of treatment is six weeks. In du
commencement it vrill be well to give the patient half a glassfa
four times a day between meals. At the end of two or tlire<
days, the dose may be increased to as much as a quart bottle
taken in four times — two glaasfula in the morning, and two ii
the afternoon. In increasing gradually the quantity, one is b
keep the same proportion in the distribution of doses as indi
cated above.
d
We do not think it advisable to give Koumiss fasting, for gen-
erally cold and gaseous beverages are not -well borne by most
persons accustomed to take a warm meal after rising. Nor is
Koumiss to be given immediately before or after meals, for it
presents then the same i neon venie nee as milk. Koumiss is
taken by many persona with pleasure; however, it may be that
by its somewhat strange taste. Koumiss does not suit at first, es-
pecially those who do not like milk, or who do not know the
taste of whey or buttermilk. This impression is rapidly dissi-
pated; but should it persist, especially with women, it is easily
remedied by sweetening the Koumiss with a little aromatic syrup
or powdered sugar and dividing the doses. — Western Lancet.
ESPEKIMENTS IN THE mUTED STATES.
Koumiss is not only used in Paris, in the hospitals and in the
ordinary practice of the physicians, but is also used in London
and nearly all the cities of Europe. There is also a Koumiss
Cure in New York City, Washington, Philadelphia and Chicago,
and many of the leading physicians of these cities are using it in
their practice.
It is used in all debilitating diseases, as well as convalescence
from all of the fevers. It is found exceedingly beneficial in dys-
pepsia and all dieeaties of the stomach. It is a very pleasant
beverage, and imparts to the complexion of those using it a beau-
tiful ruddy hue. It is exceedingly nutritious, and its benefit will
soon be seen in the increased weight of, those using it.
Koumiss has been introduced into the United States in the
last few years, audits cures ai'e wonderful aud numerous. It
-was fii-st introduced in Washington City by one of the most
prominent physicians of Georgetown, who was afflicted with that
dire disease, consumption. No remedy could be found to avail.
He was given up to die by all his medical advisers. He hiraaeif
had lost all hope. He heard of Koumiss and sent to New York
for a case. On its arrival it did not seem to agree with his deli-
cate stomach, but he persisted in its use. After using several
bottles it was more agreeable, and before the dozen bottles were
nsed he saw and felt a perceptible benefit. He continued its
tue, and every day could realize that it was conquering the dis-
P ease, and now he is continuing his practice and is capable of en-
during as much duty and fatigue as any of the medical fraternity
of the City of Washington. He attributes his restoration to the
sole and sovereign remedy Eoumiss.
Patients using Koumiss should commence with small doses;
say use a pint bottle the first day, divided into four doses — one
directly after rising in the morning, and then midway between
each meal, and one before retiring at night. Then the quantity
should be increased in a day or two to two bottles a day, observ-
ing the same regular periods. In a few days more it should be
increased to three bottles per day, and in about two weeks to
four bottles, at regular intervals as before. The minimum dura-
tion of treatment is about six weeks.
It is more palatable when new, but for dyspeptics it is better
to have considerable age. It should be kept in a cool place, as
the light and heat both affect it. The older it gets the more al-
cohol it contains, until all the sugar of the milk is converted into
alcohol. The amount of alcohol in it is but very small, and la
similar to that in bread when it is fermenting before baking.
The bottle is opened by inserting a champagne faucet through
the cork without loosening the cork fastenings. The Koumiss
should be thoroughly agitated before the valve of the faucet is
turned, and then elevating the bottom of the bottle it will fill the
glass with foam. This should be drank at once, as the ga& ia
very agreeable to the stomach as well as beneficial. Leave the
faucet in the cork until the bottle is emptied.
It is also recommended in all affections of the heart. It im-
parts an agreeable sensation to the stomach immediately after
using it. A pleasant glow is felt and a gentle perspiration fol-
lows. The dyspeptic's sensations are all gloomy and his feelings
disagreeable. Koumiss immediately seta the organism of the
stomach at work. The lactic acid is the natural element for its
absorption, the alcohol stimulates digestion, and the rich sub-
stances afford agreeable food, thus imparting strength and an
agreeable feeling follows.
For infants or children, to make it more palatable sugar and
water'can be used, or any of the syrupa, such as strawberryj
vanilla, lemon, etc. With these syrups it ia equal to soda and
infinitely better, as it contains no deleterious ingredients.
Price — Pint bottles, $3.00 per dozen.
Quart bottles, 6.00 per dozen.
J
APPENDIX.
Since printing the foregoing Treatiae on Koumiss— which oc-
curred some two months after I had introduced Koumiss into the
City and County Hospital, and to a few patients of several of the
leading physicians of San Frunciaco — 1 have distributed the
Treatise among the other physicians, many of whom joyfully
learned that the article could be had, aome of whom had used it
in their practice in the East and others in Europe. Some had
offered any price for it, but were not able to get a good article;
but all are pleased with the good quality and equally good eflects
of the Koumiss I manufacture. There are now between fifty and
one hundred of the leading physicians of the City of San Fran-
ciaco using and presciibing Koumiss to their patients, and rec-
ommend it earnestly to the profession elsewhere.
Koumisa has been used now in this city four months, and it
has already accomplished wonderful results. Some who were
given up to die are now hearty and well; others have recoyered
from great debility, and a few have been found to whom it haa
not been beneficial. The French, German and Busaian phy-
eiciana ore very partial to its use, having noted its beneficial re-
flulta in Europe, It has been used with great profit in the fol-
lowing diseases here in this city; Phthisis, or consumption;
bronchitis; dyspepsia; anemia, or poisoning of the blood; di-
abetes; albumennria; chlorosis; morning sickness; for nour-
ishment to ladies previous and after confinement. Young ladies
in delicate health have in a few weeks been restored to blooming
health; some young children, teething and suffering from sum-
mer complaint, fliis and dian-ho3a, have also been relieved. It
has been used advantageously for children that do not nurse,
and also for mothers nursing tiieir children. Many have used it
in the last stages of consumption, when it was the only food the
patient couid take without distress, and it haa afforded them
nourishment and relief. A number of the doctors are using it
in their own families, and from its beneficial effects noticed they
are pre.'^cribing it largely. There are also several physicians
using it themselves, and from the advantages they derive, cor-
dially recommend it to others.
I had not intended to publish any certificates, and will not at
this time — although many of my patients have authorized me to
refer to them, as they are walking advertisements of its benefits.
I have not advertised in any paper as yet, and what reputation
Koumiss has in San Francisco and other cities and towns is en-
tirely through the influence of the physicians recommending
it, and the patients who have been benefited by it.
I send this Appendix to the physicians of other towns and
cities of this coast, assuring them that if they will write to any of'
their medical friends in this city, they will hear nothing but goodi;
results from the use of Koumiss. I add an extract from a work
on Koumiss, published in London, by Victor Jagielski, M. D., of
Berlin, 1870. This has been kindly loaned me by Dr. Bidlack.
I hereby acknowledge the kindness of many of the leading phy-
sicians of Ban Francisco for the many favors shown me and for
a cordial reception before their medical associations.
A. MYERS.
San Fbancibco, Cal., February 15, 1878.
[extract.]
Seeland (*' Medicine der Gegenwart," Januar, 18G2) compares
the efiect of Koumiss upon the blood to that which is produced
by transfusion. In regard to the blood distribution, it seems to
be a not improbable supposition that there are factors in Koumiss
which produce an increased blood circulation.
B. Profuse discharges after confinements, lactation, surgical
tjperations, diarrhoea, blenorrhagias, etc.
(7. Disorders of digestion, assimilation and sanguification.
D. Debility and exhaustion from long acute diseases, over-
exertion, fatigue, protracted use of mercury, etc.
2d. Chlorosis.
3d. Scurvy.
4:th. Hysteria and hypochondriasis in consequence, or as
symptoms of anaemia.
5th. In the adynamic stages of acute diseases, typhus, pneu-
monia, senilis, etc.
In all these morbid states Koumiss can be employed with the
most brilliant success, and every one may persuade himself by
his own judgment that the greater the decay of strength has
teen, the more alriking are the effects of Koumisa treatmeiit.
Now let us come to auother group of Jiaeasea dependent upnn
an increased mucous seeretion, lu tliis kiud of disease the effect
of Koumisa, says Dr. Stablberg, is sure and reliable, that up to
the present time not one single author, phyaician or inquirei- has
been found who would have the slightest doubt about it; and it
18 more than probable that it is this effect upon the mucous
membranes that its enormoua reputation as an antiphthiaicum ia
eapeciallj due. The diminution of mucous secretion ia partly
attributable to the antagonistic function of skin and kidneya, and
' partly to the lactic acid. This effect becomea apparent in ohronks
broHchilis almoat during the Jirst day of the uae of XoumiHs;
the expectoration diminishes and becomes more ffuid, at the
same time the cough improves, and eimaltaneoualy, the pliysieal
atrengtli being restored by the improyed nutrition, and sleep, the
diaeasfl gradually ceaaes altogether — slowly, but surely. We
obsei-ve the same effect in intestinal catarrh or diarrhcea. Nau-
sea aud sickness, with the dian-hcoa, disappear almoat with the
I first glass or bottle of old Koumiaa. The greateat number of
b observations are stated in chronic bronchitis or winter cough,
P and it is not more than six years since it began to be employed
' with an equal success in gaatiic and intestinal catarrhs.
, THE EFFEOTS OF THE D8E OF KOTJUISS IN C0S8D11PTIVE D1SE1SE3.
First of all, a change in the color of the face becomes evident
— the paleness of the skin gives place to a pink comijlesion — and
this is BO constant in the warm season that the people of Moscow
gave it spontaneously the name of "Koumiss complexion." The
blood becomes greatly changed; it becomes thicker, contains
more fibrine, more haemoglobin, and less serum than before the
treatment. The expectoration diminishes and becomes more
fluid; at the same time the cough improves, and, the physical
strength being restored by the improved nutrition and sleep, the
disease gradually ceases, slowly but surely.
It is impossible to state what quantity of Koumiss it may be
advisable to take at first, as the greater or less weakness of the
patient, his constitution and the nature of his disease must be
aken into account. The daily dose at first ought not to exceed
ine bottle, taken a glass at a time at more or less distant inter-
vals. In a few days two or three extra glasses should be taken,
A greater quantity should be taken in the forenoon than in the
afternoon, and the time from twelve to four ought to be devoted
exclusively to dinner and sleep. If dinner is required it may
consist of beef-tea, fish and meat, excepting pork and goose.
If a tendency to constipation exists, fruits may be taken, and
a the morning a glass of fresh milk, or a bottle of soda-water
the night before. Should a tendency to diarrhcea exist, milk,
and vegetables should be scropalously avoided, and an older
lort of KoiHnisa taken. At dinner-time a plass of wine (claret
excepted) and some sort of meat may be taken. Tea, coff'ee and
■alcoholic stimulants must be avoided. Cold bathing ia aJso very
dangerous, but warm batha once in a week are useful. Duriuf:;
the treatment the patient should keep himself warm, and protect
himself from the weather, cold winda, exposure to draughta, wet
feet, etc. In bad weather he should remain at home and take
.esercise in larpe well-ventilated rooms; but in good fine weather,
open air should he breathed as much as is possible, dullness in
;the stomach, or the necessity of taking Koumiss mouthful by
eouthful with a certain constioint, indicates that it ia better to
op drinking it for the time being. Siokuess and painless
■diarrhaa during the first ten days occur with seme persona, but
I'soon cease without any other treatment, Sicknesa after Koumiaa
3nay be relieved by taking some brown bread with ^alt after eacli
glaaa. Motion in open air after eoofa glass is advisable, hut a
patient should not be required to move when he desires rest.
Patients confined to their beds may take about sis tumblers full
idaily. In order to obtain the best results from the treatment it
ia necessarj- for the patient to obey the following rules:
1. Every serious fatiguing occupation, all exciting scenes and
violent emotions must be avoided,
2. The patient must live eiilirety upon Koumin^, or, iE a desire
^or solid food ia felt, easily digested meat ahould be given,
' 3. The air should he pnre, and in srimmer the patient should
te in the open air as miich as is possible.
*■ 4. A desire for sleep, no matter how often, should be yielded
rto at once, and nothing should interfere with hja sleeping as long
ta» lie likes,
' 6, Whenever Koumiss is used, the bottle must be well shaken
■previously, so that its component pai-ta may mix welt together.
Placed in a cool cellar it will remain good for three or four
^nonths, iJthough its taste becomea stronger and sourer.
I Summing up the effects of Soumias, we find i|i this I'emedy
Mhe following properties:
1. The effect of milk sugar in inereasmg the weight of the
body.
2. The effect of lactic acid in diminishing the temperature
frequency of the pulse and muoua secretions.
- 3. The effect of casein in restoring the organic tissues.
i. The effect of carbonic acid in diminishing the freqnency
'•oi the heart's contractions, increasing the energy of the heart's
"impulsea in producing diuresis and in calming gastric irritations.
"Where in all the world," says Dr. With, " is offered to the
/human race a better dietetic, and, in consequence of its regulat-
,%ig power over tissue change, a more healing remedyj than
•Koumiss."
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LANE MEDICAL LIBRARY
This book should be returned on or before
the date last stamped below.
1
lnS57 A treatise
K8T7 koumiss
1877
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